Every month or so I bring you up to date on the swine flu. My previous posting was on July 27.
Last week, the World Health Organization (WHO) predicted an explosion of swine flu cases. Then, this week, the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) reported that half the U.S. population might catch the swine flu in the Fall and Winter, killing as many as 90,000.
Should we be concerned. Sure, of course. But how serious is the situation? World-wide a month ago, there were 15,000 new cases/day. Today, the average appears to be 23,000/day. Remember, though, there are 1,000,000 flu cases per day. Thus, swine flu has increased from 1.5% to 2.3%. Deaths per day have increased from 9/day to 15/day. However, keep in mind that 1000 die from flu complications every day, or 250,000 to 500,00 every year.
For some reason, both WHO and PCAST appear to be using fear as their educational methodology. Yes, we need to be careful and it would be wise to have a supply of an effective vaccine available. I still think, though, that this just another example of overreaction by government. Sure, spend that billion dollar sum to accelerate having a goodly supply on hand as soon as possible. After all, we did lay out a trillion to Wall Street.
I would not, though, change your lifestyle or stop all traveling to preserve your life. Keep enjoying your life, and why not come to Hawaii, for our economy needs you.
While I'm on this subject, let me inform you on what will happen to the Obama health plan:
1. It will pass and essentially everyone will largely be covered in a year or two or three.
2. The government will become the health insurer for most by the end of Obama's second term.
3. The rich will not be much affected, for they will just pay more to cut in line or otherwise gain better care through supplemental plans provided by the private sector.
4. With all the above will come some control over skyrocketing costs and universal coverage. Amen.
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The Dow Jones Industrials increased 30 to 9539, and world markets were also mostly plus. Gold is up $2/toz at $946 and oil is easing down, but still at $72/barrel.
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I might insert here Pearl's final fireball, which bloomed today.
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There are three storms in the Pacific and one in the Atlantic. None is threatening any major population site. Just hope that Tropical Storm Hilda, now at 45 MPH, does not suddenly turn north, as Iniki did. Tropical Storm Ignacio in the Pacific, is at 50 MPH, but should weaken over the next few days.
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